Key Points

CK-4

Engine manufacturers are expected to recommend API CK-4 oils for on-highway and non-road diesel engines in use today in heavy duty equipment.

CK-4 oils have improved oxidation resistance, shear stability, and aeration control compared with CJ-4 products. CK-4 oils are backward compatible with CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils, so engine manufacturers are expected to recommend CK-4 oils for on-highway diesel engines using CJ-4 and earlier categories. Still, you should check with the engine manufacturer before moving up to CK-4. Remember to ask about your oil change interval when using CK-4.

FA-4

Check with the manufacturer of your engine before using API FA-4 oils.

FA-4 oils are intended to provide the same benefits as CK-4 and, at the same time, accommodate the higher temperatures, oil pressures, and other demands created by new designs and technologies of next-generation engines scheduled for release in late 2016 and beyond. Additionally, FA-4’s lower viscosity (2.9–3.2 cP vs 3.5 cP for CK-4) is expected to help the new diesel engines meet more stringent greenhouse gas emissions requirements.

However, FA-4’s lower viscosity comes with one condition: it’s NOT interchangeable with CK-4 or backward compatible with CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils. So it's important to check with the engine manufacturer regarding where FA-4 can be used.

Other FA-4 points to discuss with the engine manufacturer:

Fuels with sulfur content greater than 15 ppm sulfur. FA-4 oil isn't recommended for use with fuels having greater than 15 ppm sulfur.

Use with older engines. In many cases, engine manufacturers will only recommend FA-4 for newer engines.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance schedules aren't defined by the CK-4 and FA-4 standards. Contact your engine manufacturer or service provider to discuss if any change in maintenance is required.

Availability

CK-4 and FA-4 oils can be sold as of December 1, 2016. Check with your supplier or preferred manufacturer for availability.

Vetted in the Lab and on the Road

New tests and more stringent limits have been developed to ensure that CK-4 and FA-4 oils not only help engines meet 2017 emission standards, but also provide improved engine protection.

Oil Category Guide

Engine Oil Toolkit

Whether you’re looking for information on the new oil standards, seeking guidance on switching your fleet to these next-generation oils, or searching for practical recommendations to bring CK-4 and FA-4 oils into your shop, you’ll find answers in the toolkit.